Land Border Inquiry

[omarza35]

I need advice. I am an Egyptian passport holder, and recently applied (and received) a METV from the Thai Embassy in Cairo. I have been in Bangkok for almost 90 days, and need do a visa run quite soon. I tried contacting one of the visa run agencies, but they said their border (Cambodian) was unwelcoming of Egyptian passport holders, and that I wouldn't be able to cross the border there. What are some viable alternatives? Are Laos still as open as they used to be back in the day? I know flying is probably the easiest option, but I'd rather take the train or bus to a nearby border. I already have a valid METV Visa from the embassy back "home" so I'm assuming matters should be somewhat hassle free.

[BritTim]

I am slightly surprised any border would be problematic with a valid visa. I assume the issue might be on the Cambodian side. The IATA rules say quite clearly that visa on arrival is available to all nationalities. However, there is something I just saw in the IATA regulations that I had not noticed before.

Warning:

- Visitors are not permitted to make day trips (i.e., arriving and departing on the same day) to Cambodia.

- Except for holders of government duty passports

.- Except when arriving and departing in Phnom Penh (PNH).

- Except for holders of a multiple-entry business visa issued

It is possible this is enforced for some nationalities, though it seems not to effect most doing border hops.

Although not your preference, a quick in/out to Kuala Lumpur by air (no visa required for Egyptian nationals to enter Malaysia) would seem an easy and fairly inexpensive option. Most land borders involve visa costs, so are not that cheap anyway.

Perhaps, UJ will have other ideas.

[ubonjoe]

Perhaps you need to contact a different visa run service.

Perhaps contact this one. http://www.thaivisaservice.com/

[JackThompson]

If there is an issue with obtaining a Visa-On-Arrival at the border from Laos or Cambodia, you could also apply for a tourist visa at their respective embassies in Bangkok. This would ensure your entry, and also save you some time when you enter.

[ubonjoe]

If there is an issue with obtaining a Visa-On-Arrival at the border from Laos or Cambodia, you could also apply for a tourist visa at their respective embassies in Bangkok. This would ensure your entry, and also save you some time when you enter.

I have not heard of any problems at the Lao border crossings.

Cambodia it is not a problem with getting the VOA it is the officers at the border. I have heard it requires some extra fees to be paid.

This from Thai Visa services website.

"African, Middle East, Israel, Turkey, South Asia, South Korean and any country ending with “stan” please check with us, <phone number>. Thank you"

[visarunner]

Perhaps you need to contact a different visa run service.

Perhaps contact this one. http://www.thaivisaservice.com/

He contacted me, but IO here said NO,NO, also for Egytians the Cambodia side will not issue Visa on Arrival.

I will send picture of the restricted countries later, I think Cambodian side restrict 14countries.

Edited July 20, 2016 by visarunner

[ubonjoe]

Perhaps you need to contact a different visa run service.

Perhaps contact this one. http://www.thaivisaservice.com/

He contacted me, but IO here said NO,NO, also for Egytians the Cambodia side will not issue Visa on Arrival.

I will send picture of the restricted countries later, I think Cambodian side restrict 14countries.

I have tried to find info that states they cannot cross at borders or cannot get a VOA. Even the IATA database says nationals of any country can get a visa on arrival when flying in.

Some countries are not allowed to get e-visas but still can get a VOA at major border crossings and airports according to the e-visa website.

It seems Laos is not a problem since Egypt does not appear on their list of countries that cannot get one.

I wonder if they can get border passes for Myanmar to do a border hop.

[Nerone]

Egypt/muslim...

Go to malaysia and you wil probably have no problems...also try the thai consulate in Penang, I used it many years and they seems quite "open"...

in Malaysia they probably give you 3 months of voa

[Nerone]

with airasia you can get cheap 2 way flight bkk penang or kl....

[ubonjoe]

Egypt/muslim...

Go to malaysia and you wil probably have no problems...also try the thai consulate in Penang, I used it many years and they seems quite "open"...

in Malaysia they probably give you 3 months of voa

I think he can enter Malaysia. But he will not get a visa at any nearby embassy or consulate since Egyptians can only get Thai visas at the embassy in Egypt.

[darrendsd]

What about Kanachaburi, possible for the OP?

[ubonjoe]

What about Kanachaburi, possible for the OP?

I am not sure he can get a border pass for Myanmar to do a border hop. I brought that up in my post at #7.

[darrendsd]

OP call this number, this guy runs trips to the Kanachaburi border, he will be able to tell you if you can cross there, he will call Immigration there and ask them, I have used him before, Thai and speaks good English

0924199265